Talent management is a key area of opportunity for members of the temperature-controlled logistics industry. The upcoming 123^rd IARW-WFLO Convention & Expo, held from April 26-30, 2014 in San Diego, California, will present dynamic programming to empower industry members to attract, train and retain top talent.

As the talent outlook for the industry changes, the industry must adapt by creating innovative solutions to talent management. The upcoming convention will serve as a forum for mining these solutions through multiple education sessions, general session keynote speakers, and panel discussions.

The “Ask a Gen Y” Panel at the WFLO Learning Lounge on Tuesday, April 29, will give attendees the opportunity to submit questions that will be answered live by a panel of Generation Y/Millennial students and young professionals in supply chain logistics. The panelists include Gina Stavrakakis, International MBA Student, University of San Diego; Alex Riolo, Finance & Supply Chain Management Student, University of San Diego; and Scott Barbour, QSR Team Manager, Americold Australia. The goal of the panel is to connect future leaders in the temperature-controlled logistics industry with prospective employers, as well as to encourage a dialogue between the generations.

2013 Frank Vale Award Winner Scott Barbour, QSR Team Manager at Americold Logistics in Australia, will also lead a session during the Learning Lounge entitled, “Engaging the Future Leaders in the Cold Storage Industry,” in which he will share key insights into what attracts and motivates young professionals.

Mark Sato, a Master Practitioner at The Wiseman Group and the Closing General Session keynote speaker, will share with attendees how to become multipliers of talent within their own organizations. Sato’s keynote is based on the content of the Wall Street Journal Bestseller Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter.

“The future of our industry doesn’t just depend on technology and best practices, but the people who drive its companies. People are our greatest assets and IARW and WFLO are committed to ensuring that our industry is successful in cultivating the next generation of leaders,” explains Corey Rosenbusch, President and COO of IARW and WFLO, Core Partners of the Global Cold Chain Alliance (GCCA).

The Convention & Expo will also feature additional educational sessions that will focus on mentoring next-generation leaders, proactive labor strategies, and pre-employment screening of personnel.

To learn more, visit www.iarw.org/convention.